Concerns over alleged pupil abductions

The Western Cape Education Department has expressed concern over alleged abductions of pupils in the Zonnebloem area.

This follows the circulation of a letter from district social worker Tatum Louw warning of a series of pupil abductions in the past two weeks in Zonnebloem and surrounding areas.

In a statement, Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer says District Officials have received two separate incidents of abductions in the area.

She said a social worker visited both schools to investigate the reported incidents and provide support.

The MEC also urged the public to report any incident to the police. You can also contact the Safe Schools Call centre 0800 45 46 47.

Ms Schäfer added that they had asked police to increase visibility in the Zonnebloem area.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said they had noted reports of the alleged child abductions and viewed them in serious light.

“We regard abductions and other crimes in a serious light. Hence we urge those with information about the above cited cases to report them immediately. It is our objective to investigate in order to bring the perpetrators to book,” she said, adding that they were keeping a close eye on schools.

“In winter we step up our operations to start at 4am in the morning as learners get to school while it is still dark. The operations continue in the afternoon after school.”

The Southern Suburbs Tatler was established in 1979. This long established popular community title includes the key shopping centres Cavendish Square and Kenilworth Centre within its distribution area.